"Excellent."
Adam, aboard the *Talron's Sovereign*, felt deep satisfaction with the devastating results of the salvo. The enemy fleet had yet to close the distance for engagement, yet his own fleet had already reduced their numbers by half.
However, Adam's satisfaction was short-lived. He watched as the shattered enemy vessels released an abundance of green specks amidst the explosions, with what seemed to be gas seeping into the void of space. From prior reports gathered during the plague cleansing operation, Adam surmised that these specks and gases were more than a mere spectacle—likely, the visible fumes were a virulent poison, while the nature of the green specks remained unknown.
"Reduce the power of the particle lances, increase their range and precision, and target the engines and defensive weaponry of the remaining enemy ships. Also, prepare the defensive torpedoes," Adam quickly commanded.
On every ship, lance gunners adjusted the particle lances, redirecting energy to the rear emitters. Though this would diminish penetration and damage, it would enhance both accuracy and range. Meanwhile, the frigates readied the defensive torpedoes. These torpedoes, developed in earlier eras, created a one-way shield around enemy vessels, blocking their attacks from within while allowing external assaults to penetrate. They also included teleportation beacons, capable of warping enemy ships to uninhabited star systems. Primarily designed to thwart ramming attempts, these torpedoes would now be used to transport wrecked enemy ships to desolate regions.
As the torpedoes were prepared, the particle lances fired again, this time precisely targeting the engines and close-defense systems of the remaining enemy ships. In a barrage of concentrated fire, the particle beams punched through armor and struck engines, leaving two cruisers and two frigates incapacitated.
"Frigates, advance into torpedo range and halt. Fire the torpedoes," Adam ordered.
All frigates moved forward, stopping moments before unleashing their torpedoes. Adam observed as more than forty torpedoes streaked toward the crippled enemy ships, green specks surging to intercept them. Realizing that the green specks likely represented life-forms or fighter-sized green aircraft, Adam understood that his suspicions were correct when the torpedoes' proximity weapons systems activated, identifying the specks as hostile entities.
Though the defensive weapons on the torpedoes began firing at the swarming specks, most of the torpedoes were destroyed. Only one managed to evade the interceptors and penetrate a cruiser's hull, burrowing deeper as its laser systems cleared obstacles. Shortly thereafter, a shield blossomed around the cruiser.
"Focus fire on it."
With the shield sustaining only a scant seven seconds, Adam swiftly redirected all fire toward the encased enemy cruiser. Lances pierced through the shield, rending the cruiser into pieces. As with previous engagements, the debris released gas and specks, which were contained by the one-way shield before being warped out of the system.
The final remaining enemy ship presented little challenge. The frigates launched another salvo of torpedoes, each one deploying defense lasers to clear away interceptors before burrowing into the enemy vessel from all angles. Thirty overlapping shields formed around the cruiser. Another coordinated salvo shredded it, warping the fragments out of the system.
"Launch thermite torpedoes and particle lances to disperse the toxic fumes. Eradicate the new outbreak in the system," Adam commanded, recording the battle for debriefing.
***
Qin Mo had observed the entire battle through a simulacrum's realm, its abilities granting him a glimpse inside the enemy vessels.
"Those twelve ships were sacrificial lambs," the simulacrum remarked, its gaze shifting from the vision back to Qin Mo. "The enemy was likely testing Talron's fleet strength."
Reflecting on the scenes within the enemy bridge, with its captain flanked by a repugnant Nurgling creature, Qin Mo agreed with the simulacrum's assessment. If he were in command of the Nurgle fleet, knowing nothing of Talron's forces, he, too, would have sent expendables to avoid being blindsided by unfamiliar weaponry in a larger engagement.
"We've lost our information advantage," the simulacrum observed.
"True, but what choice did I have? Should I have let those twelve enemy ships march all the way into the Talron star system unchallenged?" Qin Mo replied.
The simulacrum nodded, acknowledging the circumstances without critique. Qin Mo regarded the simulacrum's power—its "god's-eye view" revealed the enemy's every movement and conversation, invaluable so long as the simulacrum remained stable.
"How fares the fleet I've built?" Qin Mo inquired.
The simulacrum pondered a moment before responding, "Compared to the heavenly armadas of yore, this would be a mere civilian fleet."
Qin Mo nodded, appreciating the sentiment despite its bluntness. The simulacrum added, "But remember, you began with nothing. And this is not the era of heavenly wars, nor are your foes the ancient Celestials." In its humanoid form, the simulacrum smiled approvingly. "A testament to your skill as a C'tan artisan. If it were up to me, I'd simply dive in, tearing through them with tooth and nail."
Qin Mo and the simulacrum shared a knowing smile.
But as the smile faded, the simulacrum stilled, seemingly lost and uncertain, its vision of Talron's seventeenth star system now shifting inexplicably to encompass the entire galaxy.